A blend of nature and history in Edgerton
Edgerton is a small city in Rock and Dane counties near lakes, rivers and major interstates. “It’s rich in history, personality and outdoor fun,” says Realtor Jerilyn Endrizzi with Coldwell Banker, who has sold in the area for over a decade. “It’s known for being very welcoming and close-knit, where neighbors genuinely look out for one another.” Edgerton has been home to several notable figures, including professional golfer Steve Sticker and Sterling North, author of the classic children’s book, “Rascal.” The surrounding rural landscape has also shaped a legacy of agricultural traditions and outdoor activities, from farming to fishing.
Parks provide recreation on land, lake and river
Edgerton has over a dozen parks, ranging from small community spaces with playgrounds to extensive athletic facilities. Racetrack Park is one of the largest, featuring Little League baseball diamonds, soccer fields and a disc golf course. The Edgerton City Pool, open during the summer, has waterslides, and Fish Pond Park offers catch-and-release fishing. Anglers can also hit the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong, which both have a few sandy beaches and public boat launches. Walking trails are available at the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden, a gathering spot with seating areas, space for outdoor group fitness classes and a pond surrounded by gardens. Pets can run around in the gated dog park on Winston Drive, and golfers can head to the Towne Country Club, which has a course open to the public.
Traditional architecture and quiet country living
Housing in Edgerton mainly consists of single-family options and manufactured homes. New Traditional and ranch-style architecture, along with smaller cottages and farmhouses, are common. Neighborhoods close to the city’s center have the feel of a traditional suburb, with sidewalks and towering oaks lining modest lots. On the outskirts, buyers will find seclusion off quiet country roads and waterfront homes with private docks. The median price is about $345,000, slightly lower than nearby cities like Madison. Spacious properties on the water may reach $1 million, while manufactured homes can sell as low as $65,000.
Events centered around food, history and art
Edgerton has plenty of traditions that bring the community together. Each September, chefs compete in chili, salsa and Bloody Mary cook-offs to raise funds for youth education. People gather at Racetrack Park for a weekend every July for food trucks, a parade and live music during Tobacco Heritage Days. The festival includes various competitions, such as a softball tournament, a lip-syncing contest and tractor pulls. In August, the Rock River Thresheree celebrates local farming culture by spotlighting old agricultural vehicles, like steam traction engines. Each summer, Central Park hosts a free concert series every Wednesday and the Edgerton Pottery & Art Festival in July, with vendors and hands-on wheel-throwing classes.
Education through the Edgerton School District
Children begin at Edgerton Community Elementary, which scores a B rating on Niche, before attending Edgerton Middle, which has a B-plus. Edgerton High also earns a B-plus and offers dozens of clubs, including a Costa Rica exchange program.
Shopping off the highway and dining downtown or on the water
A stretch of businesses forms a small downtown district on Fulton Street. Stores include antique shops, salons and restaurants, like 2 Brothers Bar & Grill. Many popular restaurants sit off the water, offering outdoor dining space and entertainment. Lakeview Campground and Bar has picnic tables on the sandy shores of Lake Koshkonong, and Wet Bottoms Bar & BBQ, accessible by boat off the Rock River, has indoor and outdoor stages for live music. The Lake House Inn restaurant operates out of a historic farmhouse from 1847 and hosts trivia, bingo and movie nights. Shoppers pick up necessities at Edgerton Pharmacy and groceries at Piggly Wiggly. The nearest Target and Walmart are 11 miles south in Janesville.
Interstate and highway access bring convenience to a small town
Major thoroughfares connect the city to larger areas throughout the counties and beyond. “Edgerton is right off the interstate, so traffic runs very smoothly, minus the occasional roundabout mishaps,” Endrizzi says. Interstate 90 facilitates most inbound and outbound traffic, though U.S. Route 51 and Wisconsin Highway 59 also intersect in town. Commuters can reach Madison in 30 miles, Milwaukee in 70, and Chicago in 120. Travelers often come through Dane County Regional Airport, about 30 miles away in Madison.
